Fabrication of graphitic carbon nitride/gum Arabic/potassium carrageenan composite for efficient adsorption of erythromycin: Kinetic and thermodynamic studies.

Erythromycin (ERY) molecules are robust to the environment and hard to remove due to their aromatic structure. Nowadays, numerous researches have reported that the ERY amount in water is above the standard level and its removal is necessary. Here, we prepared three solid adsorbents: graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), potassium carrageenan beads (Cr), and graphitic carbon nitride/gum Arabic/potassium carrageenan composite (g-ACr). Several techniques such as XRD, SEM, TEM, TGA, ATR-FTIR, Zeta potential, and N2 adsorption were employed to characterize the fabricated adsorbents. Five essential factors of adsorbent dose, initial ERY concentration, contact time, temperature, and pH were optimized to investigate the batch adsorption of ERY. The maximum adsorption capacity of 356.12 mg/g was attained by g-ACr composite at an adsorbent dose of 1.25 g/L, contact time of 6 h, and pH 7 at 15 °C. The data showed that the experimental findings exhibited the best agreement with Langmuir, Temkin, and DR isotherm models, in addition to the kinetic models of pseudo-second-order, Elovich, and intra-particle diffusion. The evaluated thermodynamic factors designated that the ERY adsorption is endothermic, physisorption, favorable, and spontaneous process. The g-ACr reusability displayed a decline in the adsorption capacity after seven adsorption/desorption runs by 5.7 %. Finally, this work outcomes depict that g-ACr composite is an efficient reusable adsorbent for ERY elimination from wastewater.

Biochar/Delonix regia seed gum/chitosan composite as efficient adsorbent for the elimination of phenol from aqueous medium.

In this study, biochar (BC) from Delonix regia pods peel and gum from Delonix regia seed (SG) were prepared, and also biochar/chitosan composite (BCS) and biochar/Delonix regia seed gum/chitosan composite (BCGS) were fabricated for the efficient adsorption of phenol. Various characterization tools such as SEM, TEM, ATR-FTIR, TGA, zeta potential, and textural investigation were studied to examine the features of the synthetized adsorbents, confirming their positive construction. It was fully studied how necessary factors, comprising pH, dose of adsorbent, contact shaking time, initial phenol concentration, and temperature influenced adsorption behavior. An obvious rise of the adsorption capacity from 60.16 to 165.20 mg/g was achieved by the modification of biochar with Delonix regia seed gum and chitosan under ideal circumstances of 2 h contact duration, pH 7, 15 °C, and a dose of 2.0 g/L. The phenol adsorption was well applied by Langmuir, Temkin, Dubinin-Radushkevich, and Sips isotherms, in addition to nonlinear pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Furthermore, the physisorption, endothermic, and spontaneous process was illustrated by thermodynamic investigation. Additionally, the fabricated adsorbents could be effectively used and regenerated without main losses of only 7.5, 4.6, and 4.0 % for BC, BCS, and BCGS, respectively in the removal percentage after seven cycles of application.

Fabrication of melamine formaldehyde/graphene oxide composite for efficient static and dynamic adsorption of lead ions from aqueous medium.

The present work discusses the synthesis, characterization, and environmental applications of graphene oxide (GO), melamine formaldehyde resin (MF), and melamine formaldehyde/graphene oxide composite (MGO) for the efficient removal of Pb2+ from aqueous medium via batch and column procedures. TGA, XRD, TEM, zeta potential, nitrogen adsorption/desorption, ATR-FTIR, and other characterization techniques revealed that MGO is characterized by a greater surface area (609 m2/g), total pore volume (1.0106 cm3/g), pHPZC (6.5), and the presence of various surface chemical functional groups. The synthesized solid adsorbents were used in both static and dynamic adsorption processes to remove Pb2+, with varying application parameters such as pH, starting concentration, adsorbent dosage, and shaking time in the case of static adsorption method. While through the column adsorption process the effects of column bed height, flow rate, and starting Pb2+ were taken into consideration. Results of the batch adsorption demonstrated that MGO had the highest Langmuir adsorption capacity (201.5 mg/g), and the adsorption fit the nonlinear Langmuir adsorption model and Elovich kinetic models. The adsorption of Pb2+ onto all prepared solid materials is endothermic, spontaneous, and physical in nature, as demonstrated by thermodynamic studies. Column adsorption of Pb2+ well fitted by Thomas and Yoon Nelson nonlinear adsorption models. MGO showed a maximum column adsorption capacity of 168 mg/g when applying 4 cm, 15 mL/min, and 150 mg/L as bed height, flow rate, and initial Pb2+, respectively. With only a 12.6% reduction in its adsorption capacity, column regeneration showed that MGO exhibited a high degree of reusability even after five cycles of adsorption/desorption studies.

Fabrication and characterization of Araucaria gum/calcium alginate composite beads for batch and column adsorption of lead ions.

In this work, we developed five solid adsorbents such as calcium alginate beads (CG), Araucaria gum (AR) extracted from Araucaria heterophylla tree by chemical precipitation procedures, and Araucaria gum/calcium alginate composite beads (CR21, CR12, and CR11) prepared with different calcium alginate: Araucaria gum ratios (2:1, 1:2, and 1:1, respectively). The synthesized solid adsorbents were characterized utilizing TGA, XRD, nitrogen adsorption/desorption analysis, ATR-FTIR, pHPZC, swelling ratio, SEM, and TEM. Through the batch and column adsorption strategies, we evaluated the effect of adsorbent dose, pH, initial Pb (II) concentration, shaking time, bed height, and flow rate. The data of batch technique indicated that CR11 demonstrated a maximum batch adsorption capacity of 149.95 mg/g at 25 °C. Lead ions adsorption was well fitted by pseudo-second order and Elovich according to kinetic studies, in addition to Langmuir and Temkin models based on adsorption isotherm studies onto all the samples. Thermodynamic investigation showed that Pb (II) adsorption process is an endothermic, physical, and spontaneous process. The highest column adsorption capacity (161.1 mg/g) was achieved by CR11 at a bed height of 3 cm, flow rate of 10 mL/min, and initial Pb+2 concentration of 225 mg/L with 68 min as breakthrough time and 180 min as exhaustion time. Yoon-Nelson and Thomas models applied well the breakthrough curves of Pb (II) column adsorption. The maximum column adsorption capacity was decreased by 11.4 % after four column adsorption/desorption processes. Our results revealed that CR11 had an excellent adsorption capacity, fast kinetics, and good selectivity, emphasizing its potential for its applications in water treatment.

Fabrication of titania/calcium alginate nanocomposite matrix for efficient adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of malachite green.

This work aims to examine the two techniques' efficiency for the elimination of malachite green (MG) by photocatalytic degradation and adsorption onto synthesized solid nanomaterials. Three solid samples were prepared as calcium alginate (AG), nanotitania (NT), and nanotitania/calcium alginate composite (TG). The morphological and physicochemical characteristics of the solid nanomaterials were investigated by XRD, TGA, DRS, FTIR, pHPZC, nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherm, SEM, and TEM. The main experimental conditions were determined for sample dose, shaking time, pH, initial malachite green concentration, temperature, ionic strength, and UV lamp power. The resulting data proved that TG attained the higher adsorption capacity (252.52 mg/g) at 40 °C. The adsorption of MG was well fitted by Langmuir, Temkin, Dubinin-Radushkevich, pseudo-second order, intra-particle diffusion, and Elovich models onto all the prepared samples, confirming the endothermic, spontaneous, and favorable adsorption process. The maximum degradation percent (99.6 %) of MG was achieved by using 1.0 g/L as a catalyst dose, 10 mg/L of initial MG concentration, and 33 W for TG. The photodegradation of MG was well fitted by Eyring-Polanyi and Arrhenius models onto the surface of catalyst. The TG reusability resulted in a decrease in the degradation efficiency by 9.8 %, indicating its great capacity as the first nanotitania/calcium alginate nanocomposite used in removing MG from wastewater by two technologies in the same article.

Comparative analysis of 5-year efficacy and outcomes of single anastomosis procedures as revisional surgery for weight regain following sleeve gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: It is imperative to assess the results of revisional procedures following Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG), given the substantially growing population of patients who experience weight regain within a few years after undergoing this procedure. OBJECTIVE: Examine the comparative effectiveness of the Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Bypass (SADI-S) and the One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB-MGB) as revisional procedures, with respect to their impact on weight loss, resolution of comorbidities, incidence of complications, and rates of reoperation in patients who had weight regain after SG with up to or more than 5 years of follow-up. SETTING: Hamad General Hospital, Academic tertiary referral center, Qatar. METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed a database of patients who underwent the Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Switch (SADI-S) or the One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass - Mini Gastric Bypass- (OAGB-MGB) as revisional procedures for weight recidivism after a primary Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG). The follow-up period was at least 5 years, during which the impact of both procedures on weight loss, comorbidities, nutritional deficiencies, complications, and outcomes were compared. RESULTS: The study comprised 91 patients, with 42 and 49 in the SADI-S and OAGB-MGB groups, respectively. Significant weight loss (measured by total weight loss percentage, TWL%) was observed at the 5-year follow-up for the SADI-S group compared to the OAGB-MGB group (30.0 ± 18.4 vs. 19.4 ± 16.3, p = 0.008). Remission of comorbidities, specifically diabetes mellitus and hypertension, was more prevalent in the SADI-S group. Notably, the OAGB-MGB group had a higher incidence of complications (28.6% vs. 21.42%) and reoperations (5 patients vs. 1 in the SADI-S group). No mortality events were reported in either group. CONCLUSION: While both the OAGB-MGB and SADI-S have demonstrated efficacy as revisional procedures for weight regain following SG, the SADI-S exhibits superior outcomes compared to the OAGB-MGB with regard to weight loss, resolution of comorbidities, complication rates, and reoperation rates.

Static adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of amoxicillin using titanium dioxide/hydroxyapatite nanoparticles based on sea scallop shells.

The objective of this study is to investigate the efficiency of two processes for the amoxicillin removal through static (batch) adsorption and photocatalytic degradation onto the prepared samples. Three solid materials as photocatalyst and/or adsorbent were synthesized viz. nanotitanium dioxide (NT) prepared by the sol-gel method, scallop shells-based nanohydroxyapatite (NP), and nanotitanium dioxide/nanohydroxyapatite composite (NTP). The physicochemical and morphological properties of the prepared samples were tested by TGA, XRD, DRS, ATR-FTIR, nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherm, zeta potential, SEM, and TEM. The major operational conditions were optimized for catalyst or adsorbent mass, pH, shaking time, initial amoxicillin (AMX) concentration, power of UV lamp, and temperature. The results illuminated that NTP achieved the highest adsorption capacity (88.46 mg/g) at 20 ℃ and AMX adsorption onto all the solid materials was well applied by Langmuir, Temkin, pseudo-second order, and Elovich models. The maximum desorption percent (98%) was attained by acetone. The degradation percent of AMX reached 85.3 and 99.5% for NT and NTP, respectively, using 0.9 g/L of catalyst dosage through 90 min. AMX photodegradation onto the catalysts' surface was well fitted by Langmuir-Hinshelwood, Arrhenius, and Eyring-Polanyi models with endothermic, physical, and nonspontaneous nature of photocatalysis process. NTP acts as a promising adsorbent and photocatalyst for the antibiotics' removal in wastewater.

Utilizing modified cellulose nanoparticles derived from a plant loofah sponge to improve the removal of diazinon insecticide from an aqueous medium.

Organophosphate insecticides, such as diazinon, have been well investigated to pose health and environmental risks. In this study, ferric-modified nanocellulose composite (FCN) and nanocellulose particles (CN) based on a natural source as a loofah sponge were synthesized to verify their adsorption potential to eliminate diazinon (DZ) from contaminated water. The as-prepared adsorbents were characterized by performing TGA, XRD, FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, pHPZC, and BET analyses, in which FCN showed high thermal stability, surface area of 82.65 m2 g-1, surface with mesopores, good crystallinity (61.6%), and particle size of 86.0 nm. The results of adsorption tests demonstrated that the maximum Langmuir adsorption capacity (294.98 mg g-1) was exhibited by FCN at 38 °C, pH 7, 1.0 g L-1 of adsorbent dosage, and 20 h of contact shaking time. The effect of adding KCl solution with high ionic strength (1.0 mol L-1) reduced the DZ removal percent by 52.9%. The experimental adsorption data achieved the best fit with all the applied isotherm models with favorable, physical, and endothermic nature of adsorption consistent with thermodynamic data. Pentanol attained higher desorption efficiency (95%) and was used in five adsorption/desorption cycles in which FCN exhibited only an 8.8% decrease in the removal percent of DZ.

Green Synthesis of Nano Zinc Oxide/Nanohydroxyapatite Composites Using Date Palm Pits Extract and Eggshells: Adsorption and Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue.

In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) and nanohydroxyapatite (NHAP) were prepared in the presence of date palm pits extract (DPPE) and eggshells, respectively. Another four nanocomposites were prepared from ZnO and NHAP in different ratios (ZP13, ZP14, ZP15, and ZP16). DPPE and all nanomaterials were characterized using GC-MS, zeta potentials, particle size distributions, XRD, TEM, EDX, FTIR, and pHPZC. The characterization techniques confirmed the good distribution of ZnO nanoparticles on the surface of NHAP in the prepared composites. Particles were found to be in the size range of 42.3-66.1 nm. The DPPE analysis confirmed the presence of various natural chemical compounds which act as capping agents for nanoparticles. All the prepared samples were applied in the adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under different conditions. ZP14 exhibited the maximum adsorption capacity (596.1 mg/g) at pH 8, with 1.8 g/L as the adsorbent dosage, after 24 h of shaking time, and the static adsorption kinetic process followed a PSO kinetic model. The photocatalytic activity of ZP14 reached 91% after 100 min of illumination at a lower MB concentration (20 mg/L), at pH 8, using 1.5 g/L as the photocatalyst dosage, at 25 °C. The photocatalytic degradation of MB obeyed the Langmuir-Hinshelwood first-order kinetic model, and the photocatalyst reusability exhibited a slight loss in activity (~4%) after five cycles of application.

Comparative study of chitosan and silk fibroin staple microfibers on removal of chromium (VI): Fabrication, kinetics and thermodynamic studies.

Short staple microfibers (SSM) based on chitosan (CS) or silk fibroin (SF) were fabricated via the wet-rotate-spinning technique and employed to adsorb hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution. Adsorption efficiencies, physicochemical and morphological properties of CS and SF-SSM were systematically investigated and evaluated before and after adsorption of Cr(VI) using different techniques like ATR-FTIR, TGA, XRD, XPS, and SEM. CS and SF-SSM showed removal efficiency (>90 %) toward Cr(VI) ions. Pseudo-second order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models could describe the Cr(VI) ions uptake process. Considering the inexpensive, sustainability and higher adsorption capacity of CS and SF-SSM hold great promising applications as natural adsorbent materials for removing different hazardous metals from aqueous medium.

Synthesis of carbon nano-onion embedded metal-organic frameworks as an efficient adsorbent for cadmium ions: kinetic and thermodynamic studies.

Carbon nano-onions (CNOs), metal-organic frameworks (MOF-199), and carbon nano-onion embedded metal-organic frameworks (CMOF-199) were synthesized from garlic peels as a green source of carbon atoms while MOF-199 was prepared by solvothermal interaction between 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid and copper nitrate trihydrate. All the prepared solid materials were characterized by nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherm, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), point of zero charge (pHPZC), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Adsorption of cadmium ions from aqueous solution was investigated onto all prepared solid materials considering different application conditions such as adsorbent dosage, pH, contact time, initial concentration of Cd+2, and temperature. Adsorption of Cd+2 was investigated by Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin-Radhushkevich adsorption isotherm models. Maximum adsorption capacity (113.3 mg g-1) was achieved by CMOF-199 at 40 °C. The adsorption of Cd+2 obeys pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Thermodynamic studies confirmed that the adsorption process is spontaneous, favorable, endothermic, and physisorption. Adsorption results proved that carbon nano-onion embedded metal-organic frameworks are promising solid adsorbents for cadmium ion adsorption.

Chitosan/nanohydroxyapatite composite based scallop shells as an efficient adsorbent for mercuric ions: Static and dynamic adsorption studies.

Chitosan/nanohydroxyapatite composites based on scallop shells (CP12, CP14 and CP21) were prepared with different chitosan: nanohydroxyapatite ratios (1:2, 1:4 and 2:1, respectively). Nanohydroxyapatite (P), chitosan(C) and their composites were characterized by means of TGA, XRD, N2 adsorption/desorption analysis, SEM, Zeta potential and FTIR. The BET surface area ranged between 189 and 512 m2/g. Static adsorption of Hg+2 was tested for the effect of adsorbent dosage, pH, time and initial Hg+2 concentrations indicating that maximum static adsorption capacity was confirmed by CP12 (111.6 mg/g). Static adsorption well fitted with Langmuir adsorption isotherm and Pseudo-second order kinetic models. CP12 was selected for dynamic adsorption of Hg+2 considering the effect of bed height, flow rate and the effect of Hg+2 concentrations. Maximum dynamic adsorption capacity was confirmed at bed height of 3 cm, 2.0 mL/min flow rate and 300 mg/L as Hg+2 concentration with breakthrough time (tb) and exhaustion time (te) of 9 and 21 h. Yoon-Nelson and Thomas models best described the experimental Hg+2 breakthrough curve model. After static adsorption, EDTA solution confirmed the maximum desorption efficiency. The validity of CP12 was tested through three cycles of column dynamic adsorption-desorption.

Management Options for Twisted Gastric Tube after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.

PURPOSE: This study aims to determine the incidence, etiology, and management options for symptomatic gastric obstruction caused by axially twisted sleeve gastrectomy. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we reviewed medical charts of all morbidly obese patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Patients who developed gastric obstruction symptoms and were diagnosed with twisted sleeve gastrectomy were identified and included in this study. RESULTS: From October 2005 to December 2015, there are 3634 morbidly obese patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Eighty-six (2.3%) patients developed symptoms of gastric obstruction. Forty-five (1.23%) patients were included in this study. The mean time of presentation was 59.8 days after surgery. Upper GI contrast study was done routinely, and it was positive for axial twist in 37 (82%) patients. Abdominal CT with oral and IV contrast was done in eight (18%) when swallow study was equivocal. Endoscopic treatment was successful in 43 patients (95.5%). Sixteen patients were successfully managed by endoscopic stenting, and 29 patients had balloon dilation. The average numbers of dilation sessions were 1.7. Out of these 29 patients, 18 responded well to a single session of dilatation and did not require any further dilatation sessions. Two patients who failed to respond to three subsequent sessions of balloon dilation underwent laparoscopic adhesiolysis and gastropexy. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic stenting is an effective tool in management of axial rotation of sleeved stomach. Balloon dilation can also be effective in selected cases. Few cases might require laparoscopic adhesiolysis and gastropexy.

Preliminary experience with laparoscopic common bile duct exploration.

BACKGROUND: Herein we present our experience with laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) in managing common bile duct stones. METHODS: Data of 129 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and LCBDE done at our institutes from April 2011 through June 2016 were prospectively recorded and retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Since 2011, 3012 laparoscopic cholecystectomy were performed at our institutes, intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) was done in 295 (9.8%) patients which detected choledocholithiasis in 129 (4.3%) of them. LCBDE was successful to clear the common bile duct (CBD) in 123/129 (95.4%). Six patients underwent postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) because of incomplete CBD clearance (4 cases), symptomatic stenosed papilla (2 cases). LCBDE was performed in 103 patients via trans-cystic approach and choledochotomy one in 26 patients. In the choledochotomy group, seven patients had primary closure of the CBD, CBD was closed over T-tube in nine patients whereas the remaining 10 patients the CBD was closed over antegrade inserted stent. The median time of hospital stay was 4 (range; 1-15) days. No patients showed retained CBD stones with mean follow up was 9 ± 3.4 months. CONCLUSION: LCBDE is a safe and cost effective option for CBD stones in short-term outcome and can be performed provided proper laparoscopic expertise and facilities are available.

Place of upper endoscopy before and after bariatric surgery: A multicenter experience with 3219 patients.

AIM: To study the preoperative and postoperative role of upper esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in morbidly obese patients. METHODS: This is a multicenter retrospective study by reviewing the database of patients who underwent bariatric surgery (laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, laparoscopic Roux en Y gastric bypass, or laparoscopic minigastric bypass) in the period between 2001 June and 2015 August (Jahra Hospital-Kuwait, Hafr Elbatin Hospital and King Saud Medical City-KSA, and Mansoura University Hospital - Egypt). Patients with age 18-65 years, body mass index (BMI) > 40, or > 35 with comorbidities after failure of many dietetic regimen and acceptable levels of surgical risk were included in the study after having an informed signed consent. We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of all morbidly obese patients. The patients' preoperative data included clinical history including upper digestive symptoms and preoperative full workup including EGD. Only patients whose charts revealed weather they were symptomatic or not were studied. We categorized patients accordingly into two groups; with (group A) or without (group B) upper digestive symptoms. The endoscopic findings were categorized into 4 groups based on predetermined criteria. The medical record of patients who developed stricture, leak or bleeding after bariatric surgery was reviewed. Logestic regression analysis was used to identify preoperative predictors that might be associated with abnormal endoscopic findings. RESULTS: Three thousand, two hundred and nineteen patients in the study period underwent bariatric surgery (75% LSG, 10% LRYDB, and 15% MGB). Mean BMI was 43 ± 13, mean age 37 ± 9 years, 79% were female. Twenty eight percent had presented with upper digestive symptoms (group A). EGD was considered normal in 2414 (75%) patients (9% group A vs 66% group B, P = 0.001). The abnormal endoscopic findings were found high in those patients with upper digestive symptoms. Abnormal findings (one or more) were found in 805 (25%) patients (19% group A vs 6% group B, P = 0.001). Seven patients had critical events during conscious sedation due to severe hypoxemia (< 60%). Rate of stricture in our study was 2.6%. Success rate of endoscopic dilation was 100%. One point nine percent patients with gastric leak were identified with 75% success rate of endoscopic therapy. Three point seven percent patients developed acute upper bleeding. Seventy-eight point two percent patients were treated by conservative therapy and EGD was performed in 21.8% with 100% success and 0% complications. CONCLUSION: Our results support the performance of EGD only in patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Endoscopy also offers safe effective tool for anastomotic complications after bariatric surgery.

IL28B polymorphisms predict response to therapy among chronic hepatitis C patients with HCV genotype 4.

Genetic polymorphisms near IL28B are associated with spontaneous and treatment-induced clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Our objective was to assess the predictive value of IL28B polymorphisms in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C of patients with HCV genotypes 4, for which data are currently limited. We analysed the association of IL28B polymorphisms with the virological response to treatment among 182 naïve chronic hepatitis C patients with HCV genotype 4, all from Syria. Associations of alleles with the response patterns were evaluated by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression, accounting for all relevant covariates. Sustained virological response (SVR) was achieved in 26% of rs8099917 TG/GG carriers compared with 60% of TT carriers (P < 0.0001) and 35% of rs12979860 CT/TT carriers compared with 62% of CC carriers (P = 0.0011). By multivariate analysis, the association between rs8099917 and SVR remained significant (OR = 0.19, 95% CI 0.07-0.50, for TG/GG vs TT, P = 0.0007), with the only significant covariate being advanced fibrosis (OR = 0.13, 95% CI 0.04-0.37, P = 0.0002). In conclusion, IL28B polymorphisms are the strongest predictors of response to therapy among chronic hepatitis C patients with HCV genotype 4.

Simple synthesis of condensed pyran containing compounds and their antimicrobial properties.

Reaction of various fused pyran compounds with formic acid was studied. Thus, refluxing 6-aminopyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole-5-carbonitriles 3 with formic acid afforded the corresponding 3-aryl-3-(5-hydroxy-3-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-yl)propanoic acids 4. Whereas, reaction of formic acid with 2-amino-4H-1-benzopyran-3-carbonitriles 6 gave the corresponding quinoline-2,5(1H,6H)-diones 7. The study was also extended towards many spiro compounds possessing pyran residue. The antimicrobial properties of the prepared compounds was screened.

Pyridines and pyrazolines from salicylic acid derivatives with propenone residue and their antimicrobial properties.

Reaction of the propenones 1c, d with chlorosulfonyl isocyanate followed by hydrolysis gave the corresponding carbamoyloxybenzoates 2a, b. While their reaction with ethyl isocyanate afforded the 1,3-benzoxazine-2,4-diones 3a, b. Reaction of 1a, b with aryl hydrazines gave the pyrazolines 4a, d, whereas, with hydrazine hydrate in acetic acid, the acetyl derivatives 4e, f were produced. 1c, d reacted with malononitrile and ethyl cyanoacetate affording the cyanopyridines 5 and cyanopyridones 6 respectively. The products show antimicrobial activities.

New 2-pyrazolines of anticipated molluscicidal activity.

A facile one-pot synthesis of 1-substituted carbamoyl or thiocarbamoyl-2-pyrazolines 6 is described. Also, the synthesis as well as the molluscicidal activity of 1,3,5-triaryl- (2), 1-acetyl-3,5-diaryl- (4) 2-pyrazolines are outlined.